Graduation is a proud moment — a milestone filled with achievement, emotion, and memories. But once the ceremony is over, the question arises: What should you do with your graduation cap and tassel? Rather than letting them collect dust in a box, you can turn these symbols of success into meaningful keepsakes, creative décor, or practical mementos.
In this blog, we explore thoughtful, clever, and fun ways to repurpose or preserve your graduation cap and tassel after the big day.
Why Save Your Cap and Tassel?
Your graduation cap (also called a mortarboard) and tassel represent more than just school spirit — they symbolize years of hard work, personal growth, and a major life achievement. Keeping them allows you to:
- Reflect on your academic journey
- Celebrate your accomplishment
- Preserve an heirloom or memory
- Create a tangible reminder of your success
Whether you’re sentimental, artistic, or just like to keep souvenirs, these ideas will help you decide what to do next.
1. Frame Them as a Keepsake
Framing your cap and tassel is a timeless way to preserve them. A shadow box or display frame can hold:
- Your cap
- Your tassel
- Your diploma
- Graduation photo
- A quote or school logo
This creates a professional-looking piece of décor that can hang in your home or office — reminding you daily of your hard work.
2. Turn the Tassel into a Keychain or Ornament
Graduation tassels are perfect for small, functional keepsakes. Two popular options are:
- Keychain: Attach your tassel to a sturdy keyring and pair it with a charm featuring your graduation year or initials.
- Ornament: Place it inside a clear ornament ball and decorate it with paint or stickers. It makes a great addition to your holiday decorations!
These options let you carry a bit of your achievement with you wherever you go.
3. Design Graduation Cap Wall Art
If you decorated your graduation cap creatively, don’t store it away! Turn it into wall art by:
- Mounting it in a display frame
- Adding LED lights, inspirational quotes, or your school mascot
- Creating a gallery wall with other graduation items
This works especially well for graduates who put effort into custom cap designs or meaningful quotes.
4. Make a Graduation Memory Box
Not big on displaying things? Collect your graduation items — cap, tassel, cords, photos, ticket stubs, and invitations — and place them in a decorated memory box. You can:
- Keep it in your closet or on a shelf
- Use it for future nostalgia trips
- Add to it over time (e.g., job offers, letters, yearbooks)
A memory box is perfect for those who like to preserve without showing off.
5. Add Them to a Scrapbook
Love scrapbooking or journaling? Incorporate your graduation items in a creative spread:
- Flatten your tassel or glue a piece inside
- Add photos, programs, and quotes
- Include your final transcript or school ID
This transforms your achievement into a creative story you can look back on anytime.
6. Create a Graduation Time Capsule
Put your tassel, cap (or a piece of it), a letter to your future self, and other memorabilia in a box to open years later. Seal it and write “Open in 2035” (or any future year). It’s a unique way to:
- Reflect on who you were
- Revisit your dreams
- Feel the pride again later in life
Time capsules are a meaningful personal project — and perfect for sentimental grads.
7. Use It in a Post-Grad Photoshoot
Didn’t love your official grad photos? Create your own photoshoot after graduation. Keep your cap and tassel for fun, stylish photos with:
- Your degree
- Your family or pets
- Your career gear (e.g., lab coat, laptop, or portfolio)
These relaxed shoots allow you to celebrate in your own way — no stage or stiff poses required.
8. Pass It Down or Donate It
If you don’t want to keep your cap and tassel, consider passing them to:
- A younger sibling or friend
- A school club for decoration
- A local theater or thrift store
It’s a simple way to make sure they’re appreciated by someone else — while reducing waste.
9. Craft a Graduation Quilt
Feeling crafty? Add your cap fabric or tassel to a memory quilt made from school T-shirts, hoodies, or patches. It takes time, but the result is a warm, personal keepsake that combines your favorite school memories.
10. Store It Safely for Later
Not sure what to do yet? That’s okay. Simply store your graduation items in an archival-safe box with acid-free tissue paper. Label it with:
- Your name
- School name
- Graduation year
You’ll be glad you saved them — whether it’s for a future memory wall or to show your own kids someday.
Final Thoughts
Your graduation cap and tassel aren’t just for ceremony day — they’re powerful symbols of dedication, perseverance, and growth. Whether you display them proudly, repurpose them creatively, or tuck them away for safekeeping, they deserve a thoughtful home.
